GWR Route: North Warwickshire Line

Henley in Arden - New Station: gwrha1415

Ex Great Western Railway 2-8-0 33xx (ROD) class No 3044 has been cleared to leave the loop line (which was behind the bay platform line at Henley-in-Arden station) for the up main line (see image 'gwrha1391') with a northbound class F unfitted express freight, as indicated by the locomotive’s lamp headcode (see headcodes).

No 3044 was originally ordered in October 1918 (Order L714) for the Railway Operating Division (ROD), who provided logistic support to the British Army on the continent during the First World War. The locomotive was built by the North British Locomotive Company Ltd at their Atlas Works (Works No 22246) during 1919 and was numbered No 2156 by the ROD, but was never shipped to France as intended due to the end of the conflict. It was declared surplus by the Government and purchased by the Great Western Railway for £1,500 in May 1925. After assessment and an extensive overhaul (under lot 241) when the locomotive was Great Westernised, it was officially taken into stock in March 1927.

No 3044 was initially allocated to Neath Shed (NEA) and was known to be allocated at various other South Wales’ sheds, including; Carmarthen Shed (CARM) in January 1934 and Cardiff Shed (CDF) in December 1947. No 3044 remained in service until October 1956 when it was withdrawn from Tyseley shed (84E) to be scrapped at Swindon works. For another photograph of No 3044 at Henley-in-Arden and more information about the 30xx (ROD) class locomotives see image 'gwrha2816'.

Robert Ferris

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